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Sunday, March 9, 2008

William C. Powell, Guest Lectionary Liturgist
Associate Professor of Music, Auburn University, Auburn, AL

Lection Scripture: Luke 7:36-50; 8:1-3

Worship Planning Notes
1) If available, develop a slide show or display photos of unknown or unnamed women from around the world. If you cannot do a slide show, affix pictures of woman throughout the sanctuary.

2) Engage women in every aspect of the worship service such as an all-female choir or praise team for this Sunday.

3) Provide the opportunity for selected individuals to share testimonies of a woman who influenced them spiritually.

4) Pray for specific women who are serving in other countries as missionaries, or as members of the armed forces.

1. Litany

Leader:	A direct encounter with Jesus always provides the opportunity for change. His earthly mother, Mary, was changed, even before she laid eyes on her immaculate son. Before Jesus, she was just an ordinary girl. She is now honored throughout the world for her unique experience as the mother of Jesus.
People:	A direct encounter with Jesus always provides the opportunity for change.
Leader:	Two of Jesus’ disciples, Mary and Martha witnessed his miracles first-hand. He stretched their faith by healing their brother, Lazarus, from death as he called Lazarus out of the grave back into life.
People:	A direct encounter with Jesus always provides the opportunity for change.
Leader:	Mary Magdalene was possessed by seven demons before Jesus cast them out. She faithfully served him, even unto his death on the cross.
People:	A direct encounter with Jesus always provides the opportunity for change.
Leader:	There were other women who encountered the Savior throughout his earthly ministry, including the Samaritan woman at the well who, after talking with Jesus, evangelized her community. Also, the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment was completely healed from her blood disease after she encountered the Lord.
ALL:	Whenever Jesus entered the scene, and the people who encountered him desired change, they received it. If I ask, it shall be given. If I seek, I will find. A direct encounter with Jesus always provides the opportunity for change.

2. Hymn or Anthem
Anthem
(a) Faith of Our Mothers. By A. B. Patten. Tune, (ST. CATHERINE), 8 8 8 8 8 8.

Hymn
(b) My Tribute. By Andraé Crouch

Hymn
(c) Love Lifted Me. By James Rowe

Anthem
(d) Great Is Thy Faithfulness. By Thomas O. Chisholm. Tune, (FAITHFULNESS), 11 10 11 10 with refrain.

Hymn
(e) As the Deer Pants. By Rosephanye Powell

3. Spirituals
(a) Go and Tell Mary and Martha.

(b) There Is a Balm in Gilead.

4. Liturgical Dance Music
(a) Alabaster Box. By Janice Lyn Sjostrand [As recorded by CeCe Winans]

(b) Grateful. By Sean Brown [As recorded by Hezekiah Walker and LFC]

5. Offering Song or Instrumental
(a) I Will Bless the Lord at All Times. By Joe Pace and Jason Yarbrough

(b) Oh Happy Day. By Edwin Hawkins [As recorded by various artists]

6. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
(a) Thank You, Lord. Traditional

(b) Sitting at His Feet. By Steven Carey

(c) I’d Rather Have Jesus. By Rhea Miller

7. Congregational Songs
(a) O How I Love Jesus. By Frederick Whitfield

(b) He Touched Me. By William Gaither

(c) Blessed Assurance. By Fanny Crosby and Phoebe Knapp

8. Invitational Song or Instrumental
Songs
(a) Come to Jesus. Traditional

(b) Just as I Am. By Charlotte Elliot and William Bradley

Instrumental
(c) Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling. By Will L. Thompson

9. Benediction Song or Instrumental
(a) God Be with You Till We Meet Again. By Jeremiah Rankin and William Tomer

(b) God Be with You. By Thomas A. Dorsey

(c) The Lord Bless You. By Peter Lutkin

(d) Lord, Make Me More Holy. African American traditional